Commission approves zoning change for Las Cruces Country Club property

After hours of discussion, Tuesday, the Las Cruces Planning and Zoning Commission approved a zoning change for the Las Cruce Country Club property.

Developers want to build a medical plaza on the property called Park Ridge. They are also proposing shopping, apartments and offices.

There was a large turnout at the 6 p.m. meeting as residents who live near the property are very concerned about the project.

“I like the sound of golf balls on my window better than helicopters flying overhead,” said Murray Potter, a country club resident.

“The development can only help the value our homes. Our home values are depreciating right now,” said Sharon White, another country club resident.

Some residents are concerned about the noise and traffic the project could bring. Others think it would be nice to see the barren property turned into something useful.

The commission approved a zoning change for a little more than 30 acres of the property by a 3-2 vote. This is the part of the property where developers want to build the medical center with a small hospital and assisted living facility.

Almost 20 residents spoke out at the meeting Tuesday.

“There will be a lot of traffic coming through what is now a nice quiet neighborhood,” Potter said.

“To have medical services so close would be great. Right now to get medical care we have to go to Memorial Medical or the other hospital,” White said.

The developers have a contract to purchase the 110-acre property contingent on getting the zone changes approved for the entire project.

The developers still need to submit other proposals for the rest of the project.